neuronRN

Anyone receive notice from Drexel about decisions yet?

Perhaps as a performance approval measure you can bring up the use of hand-off communication forms to your charge nurse, educator, coordinator or manager for change of shift. When I give report I sort of go through all the systems. First, who is the patient and when did they arrive or get admitted to the floor. Why are they here (diagnosis and complaining symptoms). Do they have any allergies and are they an isolation patient. What's their important past medical history that may effect their Dx or become a complication. What's their neuro status; is the patient with it? Following commands? Ambulatory? Then cardiac wise: what's their BP and HR like? Are they on telemetry and what rhythm are they? Any PM or ICDs? DVT prophalyxsis? Resp: how are their lung sounds? Is the patient on O2? How have the O2 sats been throughout the day? Is the patients skin intact or are the pressure ulcers? What IV access does the patient have and is the patient on any fluids. Talk about GI/GU: how does the patient void or have a BM (foley, diaper, brp). Is the patient eating; what's their diet. And also list issues that came up through the day like if the patient had a rapid response, fell or had an important procedure completed. Tell the next shift whats expected: the patient needs these labs done during your time or will have these tests done during your time. I know it seems like a lot but once you get yourself into your own rhythm, you'll be fine. Hope this helps and ohhh always remember the ABCs!

I understand what you mean now Kristin. I definitely think that is deceitful too.

Very very true! Thanks for helping to settle my nerves.

That's exactly how I feel now. Can't wait any longer lol Now, I also feel like Drexel is becoming my top pick because of the price, reputation and online FNP program. I guess the campus visits, course workload and finding preceptors is what scares me.

I'm glad you shared that with me and I'm glad you're happy with the program! I can't wait to find out my decision but I already feel confused lol

That's awesome!! I applied for the FNP program. How do you like it so far? Any details to share? Excuse my very inquistive mind lol

Thanks IrishIzRN for your input. Have you started at Drexel already?

Thank you Kristin! :) I did recieve a notice from Drexel stating that all Fall 2013 applicants will recieve a decision by June 15th…seems like a long wait. Wow! That sucks they do not serve their own PA students. I also heard the same information about the rigorous course load and finding your own preceptors. It seems like the more prestigous schools are in the business of locating students preceptors. At SHU, students have to find their own preceptors too…that scares me. Thanks again for the details and best wishes to you too!

Yes, me too! I was accepted into Seton Hall but I'm waiting to hear from Drexel to make my final decision. Drexel would be much cheaper and offer the same academics as SH. The only thing that gives me anxiety is the on-campus visits, preceptors and the course load in a quarter. Do any of you have any other information or details about Drexel? I would appreciate it!

Thank you SICU_Murse for adding to the thread. Your same reasons for UMDNJ are also my reasons for applying. I'm patiently waiting to here of receipt of my application. I think its a great idea for UMDNJ to have a clinical placement specialist.

NJprisonrn I completely agree with you. It's a bit scary thinking that we would be responsible for locating our own preceptors. Many schools practice this as well. Maybe they want us to work on our networking skills. :)

Sounds like a pretty good and flexible program. I'm glad you responded to the thread. Good luck in the program and keep me updated if you can :)

Thanks MissT19 for your response. Good to hear from a TJU student! I do live more than 90 miles away and I was told by a TJU Rep that the program would be completely online. Are you taking the online courses/program? Once a week isn't bad at all.

NewTexasRN, you're PM box is filled and it will not let me send the message.

Thank you NewTexasRN for your advice, good luck and opinions. I have my doubts with UMDNJ as well but my concerns involve the restructuring of the university and also having to find my own preceptor. Was it only the location that you disliked? Very true regarding rankings and job opportunities. I thought TJU would be a safe choice because of the part-time program, being able to complete the entire program online and it is not undergoing a major make over.

Hello again allnurses Community! I have applied to the Family Nurse Practitioner programs at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. I'm just interested in receiving some preliminary opinions/information about the two programs. I've created a little comparison of the two schools with some information I came across online. Which university would you choose? Which program sounds better? And I would also appreciate any other information about the programs. Thank you! UMDNJ: 47 credits, 810 clinical hours $587 per credit, that's about $27,589 but including required books and fees the total price of education is $30,000+ If I go to UMDNJ, I will have to attend classes on-campus and have the option to complete it part-time. UMDNJ is about 15 minutes away from my house. Thomas Jefferson University: 36 credits, 16 clinical hours per week in each clinical course $1013 per credit, including additional fees, the total price is around $40,000+ At TJU, I have the option to complete the program part-time (max of 6 years) and I can also complete the entire program online. TJU advertises there 95% MSN passing rate on certification exams and 100% job placement rate. TJU also ranks in the top 100 on the nation's best online nursing programs list. For nursing in general it ranks #124 compared to UMDNJs #234.

Thank you strawberryfields! Your post definitely did help my friend (I just showed her) and you were the only person to post a response. I told her the exact message; "any experience now-in-days is great experience", especially in critical or acute care. Thanks for the Monster link.

Hello allnurses community! I have a question that I am asking for a close friend of mine who is also a new nurse. She has been working at a local hospital in the CCU as a Staff RN for about 6 months and a week ago decided that she may not be ready for critical care just yet. So to make a long story short; she, her educators and manager agreed that it may be best for her to spend some time in med-surg or med/tele. She's curious if she should include her 6 month CCU experience on a resume for the future. We would greatly appreciate all your suggestions. Thanks

ohhh how did I almost forget about that? lol...

I love it! Especially the "What society thinks I do" and of course the "What I actually do".

Thank you CCRNDiva! Do you think it would be difficult maintaining both certifications?

Being an FNP does make a lot of sense if I do change my mind, which can happen with me. I understand. Thanks for shading some light.

Out of curiosity, I have a question regarding the ACNP and ANP roles. I have done some of my own research here and on other websites but I have not found a real solid answer. I understand the ACNP is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and the ANP is an Adult Nurse Practitioner who most commonly practices in primary care. My question is: can an ACNP take on the responsibilities of an ANP and or vice versa? Which role would be best for a person interested in both the disciplines? Moreover, in the future, I am interested in becoming an NP. However, I would like to remain in the hospital around the ED, ICU, and Trauma areas but at the same time I would like to see patients outside the hospital for primary care. I hope to have my own community clinic or work in one. As usual, I appreciate and thank all comments!

Thanks mbuchanan2107! I also gave thought to a FNP program but I'm not 100% sure yet if I would like to care for the 'little ones'. Do you know the specifics why the ANP may be phased out?